The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a stern warning to drivers who abduct policemen and other law enforcement officers while they are performing their duties.
Adejobi emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
In a video shared on the NPF’s X account, Adejobi stated, “We want to speak on this recent development where our police officers and other law enforcement agents, who contravene vehicles for the purpose of taking them to their offices, are abducted by these drivers. This is wrong. Let us avoid this because we need to manage situations like this. Once you have been contravened, please comply with them—not only the police but also other law enforcement agencies.”
He continued, “We have seen cases where Federal Road Safety Corps officers are manhandled by drivers, and where state-owned traffic and road agencies face similar issues. This is not acceptable. Once you have violated traffic laws and your vehicle has been contravened, you are to follow them. You are obliged to obey the instructions of these law enforcement officers.”
Adejobi also highlighted the importance of making complaints through proper channels instead of taking the law into one’s own hands.
He said, “If you are uncomfortable with how you are being treated, particularly by the Nigeria Police Force, you have the numbers of all our state PROs and our social media platforms at your fingertips. Reach out to us to complain, whatever the case may be.”
The PPRO further warned about the dangers and possible accidents that could arise from struggling with law enforcement officers.
“We have seen cases where police officers and drivers struggle with the wheel. We have seen cases where someone carries law enforcement agents on the bonnet of the vehicle and drives off. Let us respect them. Respect is reciprocal. If you notice any misbehavior, contact the mother agency. They will address your concern, but do not take the law into your hands.”
Adejobi stressed the importance of upholding the nation’s image. “Don’t embarrass these men in uniform. Don’t attack them. They are out there to ensure the proper and adequate maintenance of the law. If you manhandle them, it is a disgrace to our national endowment, heritage, and integrity. If you rubbish these people, you rubbish the Federal Republic of Nigeria because they are in uniform.”
He concluded by emphasizing that such actions are punishable under the law. “It is a criminal offence to abduct security operatives. It is a disservice to this nation. Respect them, and they will respect you. If they contravene your vehicle, comply with them. If you cannot settle it there, follow them to where they want to take you. Don’t abduct our security operatives. It is not proper, it is condemnable, and it is a punishable offence under the law.”
Adejobi called for love, tolerance, and adherence to the law among all road users.
“Let us love one another. Let us tolerate ourselves. Let us act according to the provisions of the law. Let us be law-abiding as patriotic citizens of Nigeria. We love you all, and that is why we are out here to do the job. We want to ensure your safety, protect your dignity, and safeguard your human rights. Please cooperate with us. Let us avoid unnecessary conflicts on the road. Most of the videos and audio captured on the road and shared on social media are embarrassing to us as a country. We can stop it.”
